Gasifiers

Let's Delve Deeper into Micro-Gasifiers for Your Generator

Micro-Gasifier Designs

There are several types of micro-gasifiers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Here are a few common designs:

• Updraught Gasifiers: These are the most common type, characterized by the upward flow of air through the biomass. They are relatively simple to construct and operate.
• Downdraught Gasifiers: In these gasifiers, air flows downward through the biomass. They tend to produce cleaner syngas with lower tar content but require more complex design and operation.
• Fluidized Bed Gasifiers: These use a bed of inert material (like sand or ash) to fluidize the biomass, enhancing heat transfer and reducing tar formation.

Biomass Options

The choice of biomass can significantly impact the performance and cost-effectiveness of your micro-gasifier. Some common options include:

• Agricultural Residues: These can include wood chips, rice husks, corn stalks, and sugar-cane bagasse.
• Forestry Waste: This includes branches, twigs, and sawmill by products.
• Energy Crops: These are specifically cultivated plants, like miscanthus or switchgrass, that are suitable for gasification.
• Municipal Solid Waste: This can be a source of biomass but requires careful sorting and processing to remove contaminants.

Factors to Consider

When selecting a micro-gasifier and biomass, consider the following factors:

• Generator Power Requirements: Ensure the gasifier can produce enough syngas to meet the generator's power needs.
• Biomass Availability and Cost: Assess the availability and cost of biomass in your region.
• Maintenance Requirements: Consider the time and resources needed for regular maintenance.
• Environmental Impacts: Evaluate the environmental implications of using a micro-gasifier, such as greenhouse gas emissions and land use.
• Safety Considerations: Ensure the gasifier is designed and operated safely.

Micro-Gasifier Designs

These are the two most common micro-gasifier designs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Downdraught Gasifier are the Best !

• Design: Air enters from the top and flows downward through the biomass.
• Advantages: Produces cleaner syngas with lower Tar content, higher efficiency.
• Disadvantages: More complex design, requires careful control of air flow.



biofuelsacademy.org 

How to build a "Downdraught Wood Gasifier" from propane tanks, to Fuel a Generator to Charge a bank of Batteries (Micro Power Grid) to Power your home if Solar is insufficient.

This guy has put together a Great Video you should find very useful if you want to build your own Downdraught Gasifier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agVrtCtX_ZQ 

After looking at several videos, it is clear that Cooling the Gas down before Combustion is beneficial, and as such using any old Oil filled Radiators that you see commonly see thrown out, due to there inefficiency & costing to operate (image-1 image-2).

When these oil heaters are pulled apart, emptied of oil, they are Great to use as a Radiator to Cool the Gasses from the Gasifier before Combustion !

2. Updraught Gasifier

• Design: Air enters from the bottom and flows upward through the biomass.
• Advantages: Simple design, easy to operate, suitable for a wide range of biomass.
• Disadvantages: Can produce tar and particulate matter, lower efficiency compared to other designs.



www.biofuelsacademy.org 

Note: The best design for your specific needs will depend on factors such as the type of biomass you have available, the desired output power, and your budget. It's recommended to consult with experts in the field to determine the most suitable design for your application.

Would you like to discuss any specific micro-gasifier designs or biomass options that you're interested in Contact us !